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Ciarán Cuffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will report on the benefits that have accrued to the State to date from the receipt of dwellings, financial contributions and sites under Part V of the Planning and Development Act 2000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. |
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Minister for the
Environment, Heritage and Local Government:
Part V of the Planning and Development Acts 2000 - 2004 is fully operational and all relevant residential planning applications are now subject to a Part V agreement. Apart from the provision of housing units to the local authority on or off site, an agreement under Part V may provide for a range of other options. Notwithstanding the availability of these options, my Department’s stated preference, which has been communicated to local authorities, is for the provision of housing units whether on-site or off-site.
Final figures are not available yet for 2004, but it is estimated that some 800 social and affordable housing units had been acquired by local authorities by the end of 2004; nearly 1,900 were in course of acquisition; and a further 2,800 were earmarked for acquisition on foot of Part V agreements with developers. In addition, 9 land transfers to local authorities have been completed involving 6.72 hectares; a further 150 partially or fully serviced sites have been transferred to local authorities and voluntary housing bodies; and some €10million has been received in payments in lieu and under the withering levy. It is clear from the returns that there has been activity in all of the city and county councils under at least one of the options available for complying with Part V.
It is envisaged that some 6,000 social and affordable units will be delivered under Part V between 2005 and 2007. Additionally, payments in lieu, which are ring fenced for housing capital purposes only, together with land and sites accruing from the take up of the alternative options will further supplement the overall provision of social and affordable housing. On this basis, I am satisfied that the provisions of Part V are being suitably progressed and that they will contribute significantly to the supply of social and affordable housing going forward.
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